Moscow-Québec Centre marks 10th anniversary

Henri Dorion, founding member, Moscow-Québec Centre; Irina Vladimirovna Karapetyantz, Vice-Rector of International Relations, Russian State University for the Humanities; and Pierre Arcand, Minister of International Relations.
Photo: Clément Allard

Pierre Arcand, Minister of International Relations and Minister Responsible for La Francophonie, celebrated the Moscow-Québec Centre’s 10th anniversary together with Alexey V. Isakov, Consul General of the Russian Federation in Montréal, on March 19. The Centre is the result of a cooperation agreement between Laval University and Russian State University for the Humanities in Moscow.

Since it was created in 1999, the Centre has facilitated academic exchanges involving students and professors and organized a number of seminars and conferences. A total of 11 Russian students are currently studying and researching at Laval University, while some 30 students from Québec are enrolled at Russian State University for the Humanities in Moscow, which offers two programs in Québec studies.

“Moscow’s annual Québec Days event is a testament to both societies’ continued interest in learning more about each other and in expanding their areas of cooperation. The Centre’s key role in Québec-Russia relations in undeniable,” said Mr. Arcand.

In addition to providing the Centre with operating support, the Ministère des Relations internationales (MRI) awards one $5,000 scholarship to a Québec student and one $5,000 scholarship to a Russian student every two years.

Russian State University for the Humanities in Moscow offers students from Québec free accommodation in exchange for French-language lessons or seminars in Québec studies.